Health alert issued for one lake, four others remain in effect

Big Indian Creek Lake in Gage County has been placed under a health alert for blue-green algae.

State officials say samples taken there registered above the state’s health alert threshold of 20 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae).

Signs have been posted at the lakes to warn the public. Swimming beaches have been closed. Recreational boating as well as fishing are permitted. The state advises to avoid full immersion in the water during the alert. Public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities remain open.

Alerts continue for Kirkman’s Cove in Richardson County, Rockford Lake in Gage County, Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County and Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County.

The state takes samples from 50 public lakes weekly throughout the summer vacation season.

Sampling results for toxic algae and bacteria will be updated every Friday. Click here for results at the NDEQ’s web site.

(For more information about potential health effects of toxic blue-green algae, what to look for, and steps to avoid exposure, please refer to this Fact Sheet.)